The Canadian Human Rights Act extends the laws in Canada that proscribe discrimination by establishing that each individual has the right to make the life for him- or herself that he or she is able and wishes to have, consistent with the duties and obligations of a member of society, without being hindered or prevented from doing so by discriminatory practices based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, disability, or conviction for an offense for which a pardon has been granted. Discrimination on the basis or pregnancy or childbirth is considered to be on the basis of sex. Among discriminatory practices defined in this report are: (1) denial of goods, services, facilities, or accommodations; (2) denial of commercial or residential accommodation; (3) employment practices and/or employee organizations that discriminate; (4) wage differences based on one of the defined conditions; (5) expressions of discriminatory notices and messages; and (6) discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment. Special programs and funding that may benefit minority groups are not to be considered discrimination. The Act also establishes the Canadian Human Rights Commission to oversee the provisions of the Act and to investigate and settle claims of discrimination. The text is presented in parallel English and French versions. (SLD)